Bateman Day

'Round these parts, the last day of baseball/softball/t-ball season is also known as Bateman Day.  Every team in UMBA has their last game on Bateman Day, and every game is played at Walker Field.  Food, games, and inflatables round out the festivities.  Liam was excited to be part of this super-fun day, but was also a bit sad to see his t-ball season come to an end.  That faded quickly when we arrived to the field, however, because there were hundreds of people and so much to do!  First and foremost, though-- play ball!  Some of my favorite moments from the day:

Teammates and best buds, Liam and Emmy

It was crowded, but Joergen scored the best seat in the house!

Liam's first at-bat.  Such determination :)

On first, ready to run!

Racing to home

And his last at-bat of the season- a solid hit!

After the game, each team proceeded to the "stage" trailer where their respective coach gave a few words about the season, and then introduced the players one by one onto the stage to receive their trophy.

Liam had no idea that this was going to happen, and I have literally never seen him so happy - honored even - to be receiving his first trophy.  He's all the way to the right in this next picture, and you can see he walked onto that stage with his hands up in the air, beaming with pride. You'd think he'd just won Olympic Gold!

He made everyone laugh, and I think by the time the little ceremony had ended my cheeks hurt from smiling.  His joy that day was just contagious.

Still holding that trophy high!

When the ceremony was over, he proudly showed me his trophy- and then it was off to find Joergen and Dad.

Now, in order for Bateman Day to be a success, they ask all the parents to sign up to work a shift at one of the stations around the field.  We had signed up for the "Fun Flush" (which is like a dunk tank without the tank.  Hit the target and water just dumps onto the victim) and were told that there would be a cadre of minor and major league kids signed up to take the punishment.  As luck would have it, though, no one showed up.  So who volunteered to take the hit while older kids nailed that target, one after the other?!

Joergen was a champ!  He was soaking wet, laughing, and having the time of his life.  All in all, I would say the day was a definitely a win all around.